Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
Farewell to the Glittering Path: Decoding the Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Message
Lyrics
When are you gonna come down?
The speaker wonders when someone will 'come down' or land, likely metaphorically referring to a return to reality or a more grounded state.
When are you going to land?
Continuing the metaphor, questioning when the individual will find a place to settle or find stability.
I should have stayed on the farm
Regret over not sticking to a simpler, more humble life represented by 'the farm.'
I should have listened to my old man
Reflecting on the advice of an older figure ('old man') that was ignored or overlooked.
You know you can't hold me forever
Expressing a desire for independence or freedom from constraints, acknowledging that they cannot be held back indefinitely.
I didn't sign up with you
Disassociating from a commitment or situation that the speaker regrets entering.
I'm not a present for your friends to open
Rejecting being an object or a possession for others to manipulate or control.
This boy's too young to be singin' the blues
Feeling too young or inexperienced to be dealing with sadness or difficult emotions ('singin' the blues').
Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Repetitive sounds that add emphasis or emotion to the song without conveying specific meaning.
Ah-ah-ah, ah
-So goodbye yellow brick road
Expressing a definitive farewell ('goodbye') to a glamorous or artificial lifestyle ('yellow brick road') where societal pressures and expectations ('dogs of society') prevail. The speaker chooses to return to a simpler life ('plough') where they feel more genuine and at peace.
Where the dogs of society howl
-You can't plant me in your penthouse
-I'm goin' back to my plough
-Back to the howlin' old owl in the woods
-Huntin' the horny-back toad
-Oh, I've finally decided my future lies
-Beyond the yellow brick road
-Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Repetitive sounds for emphasis or emotion.
Ah-ah-ah, ah
-What do you think you'll do, then?
Posing a question about the listener's future actions in a challenging or uncertain situation.
I bet they'll shoot down the plane
Predicting a negative outcome, suggesting that the listener's plans might fail or face opposition.
It'll take you a couple of vodka and tonics
Imagining a scenario where the listener needs some form of escape or consolation ('vodka and tonics') to recover.
To set you on your feet again
Suggesting the need for substance or external aid to regain composure after a setback.
Maybe you'll get a replacement
Speculating that the listener might be replaced or forgotten, highlighting the expendability of individuals in certain contexts. Comparing themselves ('me') to others who are overlooked or undervalued.
There's plenty like me to be found
-Mongrels who ain't got a penny
-Sniffin' for tidbits like you on the ground
-Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Repetitive sounds for emphasis or emotion.
Ah-ah-ah, ah
-So goodbye yellow brick road
Reiteration of the earlier sentiment, emphasizing the speaker's departure from an artificial or superficial lifestyle ('yellow brick road') to pursue a more authentic path ('beyond the yellow brick road').
Where the dogs of society howl
-You can't plant me in your penthouse
-I'm goin' back to my plough
-Back to the howlin' old owl in the woods
-Huntin' the horny-back toad
-Oh, I've finally decided my future lies
-Beyond the yellow brick road
-Ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
Repetitive sounds for emphasis or emotion.
Ah-ah-ah, ah
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